â¢ Do not overload the machine capacity â¢ Use extension cords and receptacles by attempting to till too deep at too fast as specified by the manufacturer for all a rate . units with electric drive motors or â¢ Never operate the machine at high electric starting motors . speeds on slippery surfaces . Look â¢ Never attempt to make any adjustments behind and use care when backing . while the engine ( motor ) is running â¢ Never allow bystanders near the unit . ( except where specifically recommend - â¢ Use only attachments and accessories ed by manufacturer ) . approved by the manufacturer of the OPERATION tiller . â¢ Do not put hands or feet near or under â¢ Never operate the tiller without good rotating parts . visibility or light . â¢ Exercise extreme caution when â¢ Be careful when tilling in hard ground . operating on or crossing gravel drives , The tines may catch in the ground and walks , or roads . Stay alert for hidden propel the tiller forward . If this occurs , hazards or traffic . Do not carry passen - let go of the handlebars and do not gers . restrain the machine . â¢ After striking a foreign object , stop the MAINTENANCE AND STORAGE engine ( motor ) , remove the wire from â¢ Keep machine , attachments , and the spark plug , thoroughly inspect the accessories in safe working condition . tiller for any damage , and repair the â¢ Check shear pins , engine mounting damage before restarting and operat - bolts , and other bolts at frequent ing the tiller . â¢ Exercise caution to avoid slipping or intervals for proper tightness to be sure the equipment is in safe working falling . condition . â¢ If the unit should start to vibrate â¢ Never store the machine with fuel in the abnormally , stop the engine ( motor ) fuel tank inside a building where and check immediately for the cause . ignition sources are present , such as Vibration is generally a warning of trouble . hot water and space heaters , clothes dryers , and the like . Allow the engine to â¢ Stop the engine ( motor ) when leaving cool before storing in any enclosure . the operating position . â¢ Always refer to the operator's guide â¢ Take all possible precautions when instructions for important details if the leaving the machine unattended . tiller is to be stored for an extended Disengage the tines , shift into neutral , period . and stop the engine . & . Look for this symbol to point out â¢ Before cleaning , repairing , or inspect - important safety precautions . It OmeansUR ing , shut off the engine and make CAUTION ! H BECOMEALERTI ! ! Y certain all moving parts have stopped . SAFETY IS INVOLVED . Disconnect the spark plug wire , and A , CAUTION : Always disconnect spark keep the wire away from the plug to plug wire and place wire where it cannot prevent accidental starting . Disconnect the cord on electric motors . contact spark plug in order to prevent accidental starting when setting up , â¢ Do not run the engine indoors ; exhaust transporting , adjusting or making repairs . fumes are dangerous . AWARNING : Engine exhaust , some of its â¢ Never operate the tiller without proper constituents , and certain vehicle compo - guards , plates , or other safety protec - nents contain or emit chemicals known to tive devices in place . the State of Califomia to cause cancer â¢ Keep children and pets away , and birth defects or other reproductive harm . 3 Page: 4

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES Gasoline 3 Qts â¢ Read and observe the safety rules . â¢ Follow a regular schedule in maintain - Capacity : Unleaded ing , caring for and using your tiller . Regular â¢ Follow the instructions under the OiI ( API - SF - SJ ) : SAE 30 " Customer Responsibilities " and " Storage " sections of this Owner's ( Capacity : 20 oz . ) ( Above 32 Â° F ) Manual . SAE 5w - 30 _ WARNING : This unit is equipped with ( Below 32 Â° F ) an internal combustion engine and Spark Plug : Champion should not be used on or near any unimproved forest - covered , brush - ( Gap : . 030 " ) RC12YC covered or grass covered land unless the engine's exhaust system is equipped with CONGRATULATIONS on your purchase a spark arrester meeting applicable local of a Sears Tiller . It has been designed , or state laws ( if any ) . If a spark arrester is engineered and manufactured to give used , it should be maintained in effective you the best possible dependability and working order by the operator . performance . In the state of California the above is Should you experience any problems required by law ( Section 4442 of the you cannot easily remedy , please California Public Resources Code ) . contact a Sears or other qualified Other states may have similar laws . Service Center . We have competent , Federal laws apply on federal lands . A well - trained technicians and the proper spark arrester for the muffler is available tools to service or repair this unit . Please read and retain this manual . The through your nearest Sears service center ( See REPAIR PARTS section of instructions will enable you to assemble this manual ) . and maintain your tiller properly . Always observe the " SAFETY RULES " . Your new tiller has been assembled at the factory with exception of those parts left unassembled for shipping purposes . To ensure safe and proper operation of your tiller all parts and hardware you assemble must be tightened securely . Use the correct tools as necessary to insure proper tightness . These accessories were available when the tiller was purchased . They are alsocan available at most Sears Retail outlets and Service Centers . Most Sears Stores order repair parts for you when you provide the model number of your tiller . ENGINE SPARK PLUG MUFFLER AIR FILTER GAS CAN ENGINE OIL STABILtTt = R TILLER MAINTENANCE BELT TINES SHEAR PIN HAIRPIN CLIP O 4 Page: 5

The operation of any tiller can result in foreign objects thrown into the eyes , which can result in severe eye damage . Always wear safety glasses or eye shields before starting your tiller and while tilling . We recommend standard safety glasses or a wide vision safety mask worn over spectacles . HOW TO USE YOUR TILLER WHEELS Know how to operate all controls before Adjust wheels by removing the hairpin adding fuel and oil or attempting to start clip and clevis pin . Change wheel engine . position . Replace the hairpin clip and clevis pin . STOPPING â¢ For normal tilling , set wheels at the TINES second or third hole from the top . â¢ Release tine control to stop movement . \ ENGINE Hairpin Clip and â¢ Move throttle control to " STOP " posi - Clevis Pin tion . NOTE : Never use choke to stop engine . Tine Control = Off ' ( UP ) Position Depth Stake Stake Wheel Spring TO TRANSPORT _ , CAUTION : Before lifting or transporting , , , Throttle allow tiller engine and muffler to cool . Control Disconnect spark plug wire . Drain gasoline from fuel tank . Choke AROUND THE YARD Control 1 . Tip depth stake forward until it is held by the stake spring . 2 . Push tiller handles down , raising tines off the ground . TINE OPERATION 3 . Push or pull tiller to desired location . â¢ Squeeze tine control to handle . AROUND TOWN TILLING 1 . Disconnect spark plug wire . 2 . Drain fuel tank . The speed and depth of tilling is regu - lated by the position of the depth stake 3 . Transport in upright position to and wheel height . prevent oil leakage . The depth stake should always be below BEFORE STARTING ENGINE the wheels for digging . It serves as a IMPORTANT : Be very careful not to allow brake to slow the tiUer'sforward motion to dirt to enter the engine when checking or enable the tines to penetrate the ground . adding oil or fuel . Use clean oil and fuel Also , the more the depth stake is lowered and store in approved , clean , covered into the ground the deeper the tines will containers , use clean fill funnels . dig . FILL ENGINE WITH OIL DEPTH STAKE 1 . Remove hangtag from engine . Adjust depth stake by removing the 2 . With engine level , remove engine oil hairpin clip and clevis pin . Change depth filler plug . stake to desired position . Replace the 3 . Fill engine with oil to point of overflow - clevis pin and hairpin clip . ing . For approximate capacity see â¢ For normal tilling , set depth stake at the = PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS " on second or third hole from the top . page 4 of this manual . All oil must meet A . P . I . Service Classification SF - SJ . 8 Page: 9

4 . Tilt tiller back on its wheels and then TO START ENGINE re - level . ACAUTION : Keep tine control in " OFF " 5 . With engine level , refill to point of position when starting engine . overflowing if necessary . Replace oil When starting engine for the first time or if filler plug . engine has run out of fuel , it will take â¢ For cold weather operation you should extra pulls of the recoil starter to move change oil for easier starting ( See " OIL fuel from the tank to the engine . VISCOSITY CHART " in the Mainte - 1 . Make sure spark plug wire is properly nance section of this manual ) . connected . â¢ To change engine oil , see the Mainte - 2 . Place throttle control in " FAST " nance section of this manual . position . 3 . Move choke control to full " CHOKE " position . Grasp recoil starter handle Oil Filler with one hand and grasp tiller handle Oil Plug with other hand . Pull rope out slowly until engine reaches start of compres - sion cycle ( rope will pull slightly harder at this point ) . 4 . Pull recoil starter handle quickly . Do not let starter handle snap back ADD GASOLINE against starter . Repeat if necessary . NOTE : If engine fires but does not start , â¢ Fiil fuel tank . Use fresh , clean , regular unleaded gasoline . ( Use of leaded move choke control to half choke position . gasoline will increase carbon and lead Pull recoil starter handle until engine starts . oxide deposits and reduce valve life . ) 5 . When engine starts , slowly move iMPORTANT : When operating in tempera - choke control to " RUN " position as tures below 32 Â° F ( 0 Â° C ) , use fresh , clean , engine warms up . winter grade gasoline to help insure good NOTE : A warm engine requires less cold weather starting . A , CAUTION : Alcohol blended fuels choking to start . 6 . Move throttle control to desired ( called gasohol or using ethanol or methanol ) can attract moisture which running position . leads to separation and formation of acids 7 . Allow engine to warm up for a few minutes before engaging tines . during storage . Acidic gas can damage the fuel system of an engine while in NOTE : If at a high altitude ( 3000 feet ) or storage . To avoid engine problems , the in cold temperatures ( below 32 Â° F ) , the fuel system should be emptied before carburetor fuel mixture may need to be adjusted for best engine performance . storage of 30 days or longer . Drain the See = TO ADJUST CARBURETOR " in the gas tank , start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are Service and Adjustments section of this manual . empty . Use fresh fuel next season . See NOTE ; If engine does not start , see Storage section of this manual for troubleshooting points . additional information . Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel : Plug tank or permanent damage may occur . ACAUTION : Fill to within 1 / 2 inch of top of fuel tank to prevent spills and to allow for fuel expansion . If gasoline is acciden - tally spilled , move machine away from area of spill . Avoid creating any source of ignition until gasoline vapors have Control disappeared . Control Do not overfill . Wipe off any spilled oil or Recoil fuel . Do not store , spill or use gasoline Starter near an open flame . 9 Page: 10

BREAKING IN YOUR TILLER â¢ You will find tilling much easier if you leave a row untilled between passes . Break - in your belt ( s ) , pulleys and tine Then go back between tilled rows control before you actually begin tilling . There are two reasons for doing this . â¢ Start engine , tip tines off ground by First , wide turns are much easier to pressing handles down and engage negotiate than about - faces . Second , tine control to start tine rotation . Allow the tiller won't be pulling itself , and tines to rotate for five minutes . you , toward the row next to it . â¢ Check tine operation and adjust if â¢ Set depth stake and wheel height for necessary . See " FINE OPERATION shallow tilling when working extremely CHECK " in the Service and Adjust - hard soil or sod . Then work across the ments section of this manual . first cuts at normal depth . TILLING HINTS ACAUTION : Until you are accustomed to handling your tiller , start actual field use with throttle in slow position . To help tiller move forward , lift up the handles slightly ( thus lifting depth stake out of ground ) . To slow down the tiller , press down on handles . If you are straining or tiller is shaking , the wheels and depth stake are not set propedy in the soil being tilled . The proper setting of the wheels and depth stake is through trial and error and depends upon the soil condition . ( The CULTIVATING harder or wetter the ground , the slower Cultivating is destroying the weeds the engine and tine speed needed . Under between rows to prevent them from these poor conditions , at fast speed the robbing nourishment and moisture from tiller will run and jump over the ground ) . the plants . At the same time , breaking up A properly adjusted tiller will dig with little the upper layer of soil crust will help effort from the operator . retain moisture in the soil . Best digging â¢ Tilling is digging into , turning over , and depth is 1 " - 3 " . breaking up packed soil before â¢ You will probably not need to use the planting . Loose , unpacked soil helps depth stake . Begin by tipping the depth root growth . Best tilling depth is 4 " - 6 " . stake forward until it is held by the A tiller will also clear the soil of un - stake spring . wanted vegetation . The decomposition â¢ Cultivate up and down the rows at a of this vegetable matter enriches the speed which will allow tines to uproot soil . Depending on the climate ( rainfall weeds and leave the ground in rough and wind ) , it may be advisable to till the condition , promoting no further growth soil at the end of the growing season to of weeds and grass . further condition the soil . â¢ Soil conditions are important for proper tilling . Tines will not readily penetrate dry , hard soil which may contribute to excessive bounce and difficult handling of your tiller . Hard soil should be moistened before tilling ; however , extremely wet soil will " ball - up " or clump dudng tilling . Wait until the soil is less wet in order to achieve the best results . When tilling in the fall , remove - O Oi A vines and long grass to prevent them from wrapping around the tine shaft ' ! and slowing your tilling operation . 10 Page: 11

CHECK TINE OPERATION ENGINE 4 . See " TINE OPERATION CHECK " in Maintenance , repair , or replacement of this section of manual . the emission control devices and sys - 5 . Replace belt guard tems , which are being done at the Belt Guide customers expense , may be performed by any non - road engine repair establish - ment or individual . Warranty repairs must Engine be performed by an authorized engine manufacturer's service outlet . TO ADJUST CARBURETOR The carburetor has been preset at the factory and adjustment should not be \ necessary . However , engine perfor - Idler Pulley Transmission mance can be affected by differences in Belt Guide Pulley fuel , temperature , altitude or load . If the carburetor does need adjustment , contact your nearest authorized service center / department IMPORTANT : Never tamper with the engine governor , which is factory set for proper engine speed . Overspeeding the engine above the factory high speed setting can be dangerous . If you think the engine - governed high speed needs adjusting , contact your nearest sears or other qualified service center which has the proper equipment and experience to make any necessary adjustments . 15 Page: 16

Immediately prepare your tiller for storage NOTE : Fuel stabilizer is an acceptable at the end of the season or if the unit will alternative in minimizing the formation of not be used for 30 days or more . fuel gum deposits dudng storage . Add A _ CAUTION : Never store the tiller with stabilizer to gasoline in fuel tank or gasoline in the tank inside a building storage container . Always follow the nmix ratio found on stabilizer container . Ru where fumes may reach an open flame or spark . Allow the engine to cool before engine at least 10 minutes after adding storing in any enclosure . stabilizer to allow the stabilizer to reach the carburetor . Do not drain the gas tank TILLER and carburetor if using fuel stabilizer . 1 . Clean entire tiller ( See " CLEANING " in ENGINEOIL the Maintenance section of this Drain oil ( with engine warm ) and replace manual ) . with clean oil . ( See " ENGINE " in the 2 . Inspect and replace belts , if necessary Maintenance section of this manual ) . ( See belt replacement instructions in CYLINDER the Service and Adjustments section 1 . Remove spark plug . of this manual ) . 2 . Pour 1 ounce ( 29 ml ) of oil through 3 . Lubricate as shown in the Mainte - nance section of this manual . spark plug hole into cylinder . 3 . Pull starter handle slowly several 4 . Be sure that all nuts , bolts and screws times to distribute oil . are securely fastened . Inspect moving 4 . Replace with new spark plug . parts for damage , breakage and wear . Replace if necessary . OTHER 5 . Touch up all rusted or chipped paint â¢ Do not store gasoline from one season surfaces ; sand lightly before painting . to another . ENGINE â¢ Replace your gasoline can if your can FUEL SYSTEM starts to rust . Rust and / or dirt in your gasoline will cause problems . IMPORTANT : It is important to prevent â¢ If possible , store your unit indoors and gum deposits from forming in essential cover it to give protection from dust and fuel system parts such as the carburetor , dirt . fuel filter , fuel hose , or tank during â¢ Cover your unit with a suitable protec - storage . Also , alcohol blended fuels tive cover that does not retain moisture . ( called gasohol or using ethanol or Do not use plastic . Plastic cannot methanol ) can attract moisture which breathe which allows condensation to leads to separation and formation of form and will cause your unit to rust . acids during storage . Acidic gas can IMPORTANT : Never cover tiller while damage the fuel system of an engine engine and exhaust areas are still warm . while in storage . 1 . Drain the fuel tank . 2 . Start the engine and let it run until the fuel lines and carburetor are empty . â¢ Never use engine or carburetor cleaner products in the fuel tank or permanent damage may occur . â¢ Use fresh fuel next season . 16 Page: 17